Sweet Music: Trust, Teamwork Save Justin from Heart Attack

Justin Fisher rarely gave his health much thought. But when tests revealed he had potentially life-threatening clots in three arteries, he was glad he had a team of caring doctors in his corner.

Virtua heart patient Justin surrounded by audio equipment

Updated November 21, 2024

Justin Fisher admits that diet and exercise were not always top of mind. An audio engineer, he was often touring with popular R&B musicians or making sure services at area churches sounded just right.

When the pandemic shut down public gatherings, Justin switched gears to become a full-time caregiver for his mother, who had heart and kidney failure. Seeing how diabetes affected his mother’s health, he made an appointment in April 2022 with Virtua primary care physician Denne “Donee” Thomas-Patterson, MD, for a physical and blood work.

“My blood sugar and A1C were fine,” said Justin. “But my cholesterol was in the 300s. Dr. Thomas-Patterson was troubled, given my numbers and my mom’s heart issues, and thought I should see a cardiologist.”

‘A Walking Heart Attack’

Going into his appointment with Virtua cardiologist Troy Randle, DO, MBA, FACC, FACOI, Justin wasn’t worried. After all, he was only in his mid-30s and was not experiencing any symptoms.

“His electrocardiogram had some abnormalities, and I was concerned given his elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, and family history,” said Dr. Randle. “We talked about medication. He was resistant, like ‘I can do this on my own.’”

When an echocardiogram revealed Justin’s heart was not pumping sufficiently—a sign of coronary artery disease—Dr. Randle scheduled him for a cardiac catheterization at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

The catheterization found Justin had three significant blockages in his arteries that needed immediate intervention.

“I’m still thinking I’m fine. But my cousin, who worked in an operating room, told me I was ‘a walking massive heart attack,’ and that people with that severity of blockages don’t survive,” said Justin, of Pennsauken. “I didn’t realize how serious it was until I had the three stents put in.”

‘Doing Nothing Is Not an Option’

Justin’s positive outcome reflects what can happen when there is trust between a doctor and patient.

“Medicine is a partnership. We’re a team,” said Dr. Randle. “Once patients feel like they can relate to me—they feel they can trust me—treatment becomes easier.”

“Justin initially refused medication, but I told him he had to see a cardiologist. Doing nothing is not an option. With Dr. Randle taking the steps to discover Justin’s blockages, it’s a good example of real teamwork,” said Dr. Thomas-Patterson. “We were able to prevent what would have been a life-changing heart attack or stroke.”

Today, thanks to medications, a healthy diet, and workouts at the gym, Justin is lowering his cholesterol and blood pressure. And that’s music to everyone’s ears.

“Being a caretaker for my mom, that put a different perspective on going to the doctor and making sure I’m OK,” he said. “I’m paying more attention to how I’m feeling.”

Heart Care—Where and When You Need It Most
Virtua’s team of more than 100 cardiac experts provides comprehensive cardiac care, from medical cardiology to interventional procedures to advanced cardiac surgery. Appointments are available within 48 hours. Schedule an appointment online with a Virtua cardiologist.